Knick is a Good thing in a Small Package

Tanith L. Balaban Arizona Daily Wildcat Icecat sophomore Andy Knick's size has not kept him from being a pivotal playmaker with 20 goals and 22 assists this season.

Standing at only 5-feet-9 inches and weighing 160 pounds, Knick said he has to make up for his small size in other areas.

"I'm not the biggest guy in the world," Knick said. "The only thing I can do to compensate for my size is to give 100 percent."

Size is one thing, but speed is another and Knick has plenty of that.

"He's one of the fastest players the Icecats have ever had," UA head coach Leo Golembiewksi said. "He gives you 100 percent all the time. If he sees a brick wall, he goes through it. I'm glad he's here."

Deciding to come to Arizona was a last minute decision for Knick, who came to the Icecats in the fall of 1995.

After graduating from high school in 1993 in Brockport, N.Y. Knick continued his hockey career for one season at Erie Community College in Buffalo. Then he met Golembiewski.

"It just happened," the sophomore said. "I had other schools in mind, but when I talked to coach on the phone and he told me about the program. I knew I wanted to come here."

With that, Knick packed up and came to Arizona, having never been in the state before.

"When I first came here, it was culture-shock," he said. "It was incredibly hot for me and I didn't know anyone."

It took a while for Knick to adjust. When he did, he quickly began to make friends, most of which make up the Icecat squad.

"This team is the best group of players that I've ever played with," the 21-year-old said. "When you start some place new like this, you meet people eventually."

Since he's been here, Knick has become an intricate part of the Icecats' offense.

Against Colorado two weeks ago, Knick completed his first career hat trick. However, scoring isn't everything for Knick.

"It doesn't mean anything to me to get goals. As long as we win and win the national championship, I don't care," Knick said. "Against garbage teams I don't care if I score five goals. But, if you score three goals against a team like Ohio, it shows how good you are."

Knick may not be the leading scorer on the team, but he holds his own. He is the fifth leading scorer this season with 20 goals and 22 assists. Last season Knick had 18 goals and 25 assists.

"When Andy plays his best hockey he is more controlled offensively and uses his speed. I've always been a great fan of Andy Knick," Golembiewski said.

Center Brian Consolino said Knick gives it his all whenever he's out there.

"He's one of those kind of guys who always gives a 100 percent no matter what the score is," Consolino said. "He's a hard worker and he's always trying."

Co-captain Peter Scott, who plays on Knick's line with Ben Ruston, agreed.

"When you have a lineman that will lay down and die for you, and Andy does that," Scott said.

Playing in the same line, Scott and Knick learned to work with each other.

"When you're not that big you have to stand up for yourself," Knick said. "We (Scott) back each other up. We're always there for one another and to jump in."

Scott and Knick definitely have their share of penalty minutes. Knick, who has spent 131 minutes thinking, and Scott are easily 1-2 on the team.

"He's not the biggest kid out there and he may not have the greatest skills," Scott said. "But, he's going to be the kind of player that people look to. He's definitely a catalyst on our squad."

Knick may be a catalyst for the team, but he wants to be remembered for something else.

"To give it your best and give 100 percent all the time," he said. "I don't ever want to looked at as a quitter."